Friday, 29 May 2015

Sylvie Guillem: Life in Progress

Sylvie Guillem’s farewell tour (Life in Progress) is a testament to her effortlessly exquisite technique, beautifully lean and pliable limbs, and captivating stage presence. At 50, she runs rings around most dancers half her age.

In Mats Ek's Bye, Guillem kicks off her shoes and dances like a child, her movements abundantly joyous but also tinged with sadness and longing. Leg extensions and head stands are mixed with creeping walks and hunched shoulders to create a quirky but compelling character which she embodies to perfection. She's thoroughly engaging too in the insect-like choreography of Akram Khan's Technê. Guillem’s presence onstage will be much missed.